Last month, our organization suffered a tragic loss. On October 19, 2021, Caris Knoxville Chaplain Ed Lemmond passed away in a car accident. Relentlessly committed to our values, Ed was with Caris for over 13 years, where he dedicated himself to serving and improving countless lives.

Although we deeply mourn his passing, we celebrate his wit, his wisdom, his life, and the energy he brought to Caris with him every day. Ed listened without passing judgment. He was a patient man, and he always took the time to help ease the suffering and anxiety of others. He was a teacher to other Chaplains and a spiritual pillar for his colleagues and his community. Upon his retirement in 2017, Ed continued to work PRN and traveled throughout the organization to provide spiritual support to patients from all across the Southeast. 

In addition to being a hard worker and a dedicated Caris team member, Ed was also a loving father, Sunday school leader, passionate cook, and true friend. Although the world may seem a little less bright today without Ed in it, we know that his light still shines with us. We will continue the legacy to which he was so dedicated: providing hospice care with grace, compassion, and empathy.

Lastly, we’d like to share Ed’s Purpose Statement from his time at Caris. It’s a great look at how his passion and care shone through in every interaction with patients and staff, in his own words. Thank you, Ed.

“My purpose as a Caris Healthcare Chaplain is to bring meaning to diverse patients and their families through the use of pastoral presence, active listening, scripture, and prayer when appropriate. To give inspiration that helps our patients to experience peace and death with dignity during their end-of-life journey. To be a resource for Caris staff who face spiritual and cultural issues affecting the patients and families we serve. The chaplain is a resource to give encouragement to staff and spiritual guidance when appropriate.”